October has historically been the time of year that many organizations choose to host disability centered events. This year, so much is happening in and around Wilmington that I felt the need to post events in one place. In fact, many events will continue through November. Granted, this one post cannot possibly cover every event having to do with special needs, but check back often in case there are changes or additions. Should you or your organization want to add an event, send details and a short paragraph description to david.morrison87@yahoo.com Please put Event for posting and the event date in the subject line.

OCTOBER:

1. ACES for ACCESS Disc Golf Event
Date: Saturday October 22, 2011
Time: 9:30a.m.-3p.m. Registration begins 8:30a.m.
Place: Joe Eakes Park, 7th and K Ave Kure Beach, NC
Details: This aces style disc golf event is a collaboration between Pleasure Island Disc Golf Club and ACCESS of Wilmington Inc. Funds raised will be used in the construction of an accessible baseball field and all inclusive playground at Olsen Park in Wilmington. The tournament fee is $25 with other fun activities throughout the day! Pre-register at: http://www.discgolfunited.com/disc-golf-tournaments/tournament-dashboard.cfm/tourn_id/259

2. Disability Employment Awareness Month Recognition (DEAM)
Date: Wednesday October 26, 2011
Time: 1p.m.-3p.m.
Place: Wilmington City Council Chambers 310 Chestnut St. 2nd floor
Details: The 4th annual DEAM event recognizes employees with disabilities and their employers for the services they provide to Southeastern NC. This collaborative effort between the Wilmington Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation offers a chance to thank those who reach above and beyond the call. Join us for a celebration of these efforts!
Contact: Sherry Johnson (910) 251-5710 ext. 230 or Sherry.Johnson@dhhs.nc.gov

3. Youth Transition Fair for students with disabilities
Date: Wednesday October 26, 2011
Time: 9a.m.-2p.m. or 5p.m.-7p.m.
Place: Dale K. Spencer Building 1802 South 15th Street
Details: This is a FREE information session for parents and students with disabilities in New Hanover County. The focus is transition after high school.
Contact: Betsy Stanwood (910) 254-4465 or betsy.stanwood@nhcs.net for more information.

NOVEMBER

1. Caregivers and Older Adults Luncheon: How Can We Improve Their Healthcare
Date: Wednesday November 2, 2011
Time: 11:30a.m.-2p.m.
Place: NE Regional Library 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.
Details: This is a FREE discussion. Hosted by disAbility Resource Center, Elderhouse PACE, and the NC Justice Center, this event is meant to discover what YOU think needs to be improved in this area of healthcare.
Contact: disAbility Resource Center (910) 815-6618 for more information or to reserve a seat.

2. Premier of “Certain Proof”-Film
Date: Wednesday November 2, 2011
Time: Doors open at 6p.m.
Place: William and Ida Friday Center Chapel Hill, NC
Details: “Certain Proof” sweeps its audience into the world of children who have good academic potential–some gifted–but are hampered by their communications and mobility challenges. These children have difficulties being included in the mainstream, especially schools. The film focuses on the battle of three mothers who fight with unrelenting passion for their children’s rights to a public school education and the teachers and administrators hamstrung by the bureaucracy of an education system with precious few resources to help them. Proceeds from this event benefit New Voices, an organization that helps students transition into regular education. $25 for public. Tickets can be purchased online at www.newvoicesnc.org.

“Certain Proof” at Cucalorus film Festival
Date: Thursday November 10, 2011
Time: 1:30p.m.
Place Thalian Hall Black Box 2nd floor
Details: “Certain Proof” sweeps its audience into the world of children who have good academic potential–some gifted–but are hampered by their communications and mobility challenges. These children have difficulties being included in the mainstream, especially schools. The film focuses on the battle of three mothers who fight with unrelenting passion for their children’s rights to a public school education and the teachers and administrators hamstrung by the bureaucracy of an education system with precious few resources to help them.

5. Low Vision Clinic
Date: Saturday November 19, 2011
Time: 10a.m.-3p.m.
Place: DisAbility Resource Center 140-C Cinema Dr.
Details: This is a FREE event. It is meant to be an interactive demonstration of devices, gadgets, and technology available to those with visual disabilities. Products on display are not for sale. Purchasing guidance will be provided. Limited transportation is available. Walk-ins and appointments accepted.
Contact: Paul Ritchie (910) 538-6677 or pritchie@charter.net for details or to schedule an appointment.

About This Blog

My name is David Morrison. I am a graduate student living with cerebral palsy. As Chair of the Cape Fear Disability Commission, (CFDC), I will keep you informed of its activities, and act as your representative. Through this blog, I hope to improve disability awareness. With my first-hand knowledge and your help we can enhance the lives of those who have different abilities. This is meant to be an open discussion forum. You may wish to raise questions as well as learn about online resources, articles, meetings, events etc. This blog is open to everyone, and active participation is welcome! Check out snippets from my blog in every Saturday’s Local section. Please feel free to comment on anything here via the blog, or by dropping me an email at david.morrison87@yahoo.com